Nestled in a nondescript hanger at busy Addison Airport sits the sometimes overlooked Cavanaugh Flight Museum, which houses historically significant aircraft from both World Wars, the Korean War and Vietnam.

The museum, which opened in October 1993, grew out of founder Jim Cavanaugh's love of airplanes -- warbirds in particular.

Originally home to just the Jani-King International founder's personal collection, the museum later became a nonprofit enterprise and slowly grew with the addition of space for more planes and exhibits.

But the operation suffered the usual growing pains along the way. And it's reaching only about one-third of likely visitors, so museum leaders are reaching out to an expanded relationship with the Town of Addison to remedy that.

The plan is to fashion a larger, more visible space for the museum, which will allow it to attract and accommodate more paying visitors and boost revenue by housing more events. Early ballpark estimates put the cost of expanding the museum at $1 million to $5 million, depending on the scope of the project.

Addison has provided of marketing assistance to the museum over the years -- last year valued at $50,000 -- and taken advantage of its unique ambiance to host local events, said Lea Dunn, deputy city manager.

"It's an incredible collection of aircraft, a real gem and an asset to Addison," she said.

So when the nonprofit wanted to expand, it was logical for the city to be involved, assisting with feasibility, marketing and economic analysis studies. The Addison City Council will soon consider the museum expansion and an announcement may come as early as May -- just before a celebration of the airport's 50th anniversary, which will be held in conjunction with Addison's annual Kaboom Town activities.

Doug Jeanes joined the museum a few months after it opened as director of aircraft maintenance. Then, it consisted of 18 aircraft, two hangers and a three-person staff to restore and care for the planes. Over an 18-month period, the collection doubled in size and grew into two additional hangers.

Interest comes from veterans, warbird enthusiasts and those who craft model airplanes, said Jeanes, who now also serves as museum director. A canteen, outdoor picnic area and gift shop are available, as are rides in two of the warbirds, which start at $175.

Lack of space

But the museum's ability to host visitors and groups has been hampered by its lack of space for expansion to house additional activities, such as indoor space for birthday parties which would provide additional revenue. The museum's current $1 million in revenue comes from visitors, air shows, grants, city assistance and loans.

Last year more than 33,000 people visited the museum, which also includes maintenance and restoration space for the vintage aircraft. Jeanes would like to see annual attendance reach 100,000 to 125,000.

"We'd like to be bigger and better and more of a tourist destination," and a joint venture with the city will make that possible, he said. The expansion likely would include an entry marker such as an actual aircraft on a tall pedestal, and educational space including classrooms and a theater. Ideally, the new facility will be two to three times larger than the current space. Funding sources will include the Town of Addison, grants and donations.

It will be a gathering space for a people who have a passion for aircraft off all kinds, from those who embrace the warbirds to those who line the edges of Addison Airport to just watch the corporate jets take off, Jeanes said.

"At most museums you can look at the exhibits," he said. "Here people can see, sense and feel the exhibits."

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